With His Dying Breath

Noam Apter, age 23, died as a hero in the recent attack on the Jewish community of Otniel. His picture was on the front page of every Israeli newspaper. His bravery was reported on every Israeli newscast. His family's mourning and loss was the subject of conversation at dinner tables, office coolers, and essentially all over Israel.

Yet, the story of Noam Apter did not appear in the LA Times, or in most papers abroad. Not even his name was mentioned. Nor his age. Nor the names or ages of the other three victims brutally murdered in the Sabbath eve massacre at Otniel. He was just another one of "four Israelis killed in the West Bank."

Since you probably missed it, here is the story:

On Friday night, December 27, over a hundred Israeli teenagers and young adults sat down for the Sabbath meal at the yeshiva of Otniel. Four of the students whose turn it was to be the evening's "waiters" went to serve the main course in the kitchen adjoining the dining room. Noam Apter was among them. The other three waiters were: Yehuda Bamberger, 20, Zvi Ziman, 18, and Gabriel Hoter, 17.

He closed the door, locked it, threw the key into a corner -- then collapsed and died.

Suddenly two terrorists dressed in Israeli army uniforms burst into the kitchen and sprayed the four waiters with fire from their M16's. Hit by the bullets and mortally wounded, Noam used his last strength to run to the door connecting the kitchen and the dining room. He closed it, locked it, and threw the key into a corner. He then collapsed and died, lying against the door.

The terrorists tried to open the door. Seeing it locked, they sprayed gunfire through a small glass window into the dining room. After realizing that this fire was inaccurate and wild (it wounded six more students) and having already killed the four student waiters, the terrorists fled the kitchen, later to be hunted down and killed by the Israeli army.

Yaacov Ohana, an 18-year-old wounded survivor of the attack, told Ma'ariv: "Our great luck was that Noam succeeded in locking the door to the dining room and throwing the key into a dark corner. Otherwise the terrorists would have massacred dozens".

To illustrate how one-sided the world media coverage has been, one needs to go no farther than the LA Times. During the four days after Noam's death, the LA Times published seven major articles on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians -- a total of over 7,000 words. Yet no room could be found for Noam's name or his story of bravery, nor for the story of his family's loss.

While not a single name of an Israeli victim was listed, the LA Times listed 17 Palestinians "victims” by name.

By contrast, stories about Palestinians, their names and ages filled these seven LA Times articles over those four days. While not a single name of an Israeli victim was listed, nor the age of a single Israeli victim, the LA Times did find the room to list by name 17 Palestinians "victims" (some of whom were terrorists killed in gun battles with Israeli troops), and the ages of a total of 20 different Palestinian "victims.”

Lack of ages and names are only the beginning. Each Palestinian "victim" has a story, heart-rending, full of context, detail, local color, and moving quotes. The Israeli victims are just statistics, without quotes, without a context, essentially without a story. This lack of balance might be explained if the numbers were unbalanced -- so many more Palestinians dying than Israelis. Yet on December 29, the Times itself reports that in the month of October, more Israeli civilians were killed (45) then Palestinians (41).

So why no names, no ages, no stories for the Israeli victims? Why don't the Israeli unarmed civilians who are deliberately targeted by terrorists get at least the same consideration as the Palestinian civilians who are tragically and mistakenly killed in a tough war against terror that Israel must fight in populated areas?

One is left with the unmistakable conclusion that for the LA Times, Palestinian suffering and Jewish suffering operate by different standards.

Noam Apter was one of the many heroes in Israel's current war against terror. They all have names. They all have ages. And they all have stories. It's about time they were told.

Visitor Comments: 34

(34)
Anonymous,
March 10, 2008 7:22 PM

What else can we expect?

Our media is making the most they can to convert us into a french style nation, catering to the muslims and our innate enemies.We must start gathering ALL family members from any suicide attacker and send them to do some jail time and let them know that after they become suicide bomber their family will pay the consecuences.

(33)
batya,
January 1, 2008 10:47 AM

and why didn't you mention that he's from Shiloh?

I consider it important. Many of Israel's recent heros were raised in YESHA.

(32)
audrey,
December 11, 2007 4:23 PM

My Hero

Years have passed since this heroic act occured and I get tears in my eyes everytime I think about Noam Apter. I hope one day to have a son that I could name Noam and hope that a spark of his neshama will be with us.

(31)
Richard,
September 8, 2006 2:39 AM

Pacification

I don't offer pacification by your terms and I don't intend to. I just do realize that this happens everywhere in the world and everyday. You are mad at the LA times for not mentioning it but at the same time how many names do you know from the same paper that died today. Do you know their stories. I mourn for you and anyone that knew him. I am sure that the world is at a loss and will be without his prescence. "Do not ask of that which you will not give." Didn't read it, just believe it. I hope you find peace, mine is with you.

(30)
augustine johnson,
January 31, 2004 12:00 AM

a hero

a jewish hero right up there samson of the Bible....

(29)
Roger Dunlop,
June 2, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam "Hero for God"

I have again just emailed L.A.Times for their one sided approach to news reporting in Israel and the middle east
They need to look truthfully for once if thats at all possable and tell the world the facts Bless you for your articles , we can't get there yet but we are praying for you and for the peace in Israel, We love you, Roger & Merlyn

(28)
Patricia Iona Duchess of Argyll,
February 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Time is running out for cowardly act.

Time is rapidly running out for cowards who inflict pain and suffering on people in the middle east, for when America led by George Bush remove Saddam Hussein from the area, and install a truly democratic government in Iraq, many of the as yet tolerated governments of the middle east, will feel the cold hand of justice upon their necks. I for one hope that we will live to see the day when the whole of the region finally has democracy established, not only in Iraq, but all the nation states of the middle east, where Men and Women, no matter what their beliefs, have equal and universal human rights. Rights that are based on international law, and not as now on religious or racial lines. We are all on the threshold of possibly the greatest change the world has or will ever see. It is up to all of us no matter what our convictions, to establish once and for all the rights of all people no matter what their religious, or cultural beliefs, to allow the establishment of truly universal laws for all in the Middle East. Should we fail to come together in peace, with an equality of rights, then it is only a matter of time before we all destroy ourselves and the lands that we all hold so dear. National boundaries are becoming more and more less relevant, truly just lines on a map. One day there will be a time, and I truly believe it to be close when, all peoples of the world will be able to go wherever they wish without restriction. Perhaps at the moment it is just a dream, but God will not allow his most precious gift to be destroyed because of artificial lines . Nations are only a way of containing money within a specific area. The day we see a truly universal means of paying for things is the day we will no longer need regional governments. A singular administrative body can look after the financial needs of the entire world, and at the same time finally allow equality of worth to all people. If you were able to pay the same price anywhere in the world for the same product and your work was paid for with equality no matter what your race or religion, then war would become a thing of the past. It is only the haves and have nots that perpetuate the constant hatred we see today. Any life no matter whom ever it is, cries out for justice. Perhaps in the short term we must stand up and be counted and willing to fight for these rights, but once won, we should guard them jealously against the powers of hate and fear, of bigotry and blatant power grabbing corruption of the people. If it requires that we stand up and fight one last battle...then so be it, but we must remember that in the end, if we are unwilling to live in true peace and equality, then we are on a hiding to nothing more than what we see today. A spiral of tit for tat I kill you kill. Aren't our children worth more than that? if not, then we the people are doomed to one day be as the dinosaurs. A waste of time and space, and truly worthy of elimination by our own hands.

(27)
simona,
January 31, 2003 12:00 AM

left wing, a supporter of israel and the relative of a terror victim

Like Noam my cousin was also never counted as a true victim with a name and age. He was also a soldier so his death was made out to be his own fault (even though he was unarmed and 20).
Regardless it does trouble me that instead of just talking about media bias it is simply blamed on "left wingers" and liberals. While many folks under the liberal banner have become Israel bashers its not fair to label all liberals as Anti-Zionist and Pro-Terrorist and biased (not to mention, anti-moral, anti-christian, anti-values etc...).
We must look at all media critiquely and point out bias without insult. We must also look at our politicians both liberal and conservative and see that almost all of them support Israel (watch the actual senate and congress hearings rather than just reading about them). Also look at the histories of the supposed Conservatives who are currently pro-Israel and ask yourselves if they will still be in support of us when it stops being part of their agenda. It took 3000 American people dying in 9/11 to get Conservatives to support Israel

(26)
Dr. Martin Cotler,
January 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Disappointed with the newspaper I have been reading 40 years

Its obvious that it isn't what you read in newspapers but rather what is not printed. I intend to voice my extreme displeasure with a newspaper who I have read for 40 years and I intend to make them aware that any further unbalanced news about the Israeli-Palestinian issue will result in my cancellation of my subscription.

Thank you for bringing this to the attenntion of others.

(25)
Linda D.Thomas,
January 25, 2003 12:00 AM

Disgraceful.I hate the way the media is so one sided for Palestine.

Finally I found someone who agrees that the media is so one sided and prejudice agaisnt Israel.Not only in the newspapers but on T.V.The portraying of Israel as the evil one and Palestine as the victim and the suffering oppressed underprivilaged people.Thank you for sharing such a awesome story of a young hero.We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and we stand with Israel.

(24)
Anonymous,
January 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam Apter is a hero, the LA times can't erase that.

I get upset with our liberal media, such as the LA Times and just about all others. They have their own agenda that doesn't reflect the majority of the people in the USA. I can only speak for myself on this, but I stand behind Israel 100%. I feel helpless when I see my own country make some of the dumbest decisions that keep Israel from defending herself. As far as I'm concern, every person in Israel is a hero.

(23)
Caleb Caraballo,
January 24, 2003 12:00 AM

G-dly act

I first give my condolences to Noam's family:What your son did cannot be summed up in words it was one of the most unselfish acts I have ever heard, not to say in the least. May the L-rd give you strength and always keep you in his favor. Noam's story is just one the many stories drowned out by a media which ONLY chooses to see ONE side of the story. I really don't understand why the media or anyone would want to side with a bunch FANATICAL muslim terrorists!

(22)
sjhepner,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

fair go mate...

Jewish people such as my parents and parents in law, left their homes and bisinesses , specifically, a flour mill, and a brush factory, both flourishing in 1939, to flee to SIBERIAN prison camps, then to fight in the Polish Army and the British Army,LATER TO REESTABLISH THEMSELVES in AUSTRALIA,, BUT I am not going back to spray Machine gun fire on those who are occupying their legitimate property...it seems that Murder which occurred on this religious society, is applauded by Los Angeles NEWSPAPERS AND THE PALESTINIAN authority by their deafening silence...

(21)
augustine johnson,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

hero

G-d be with this young man, a hero of israel..may G-d bless all of israel, all the very brave people of israel

(20)
Nancy,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam's gift

Noam's story needn't be printed in any of the papers. What this wonderful, brave young man did had nothing to do with the rest of the world. He died protecting his friends, and his loved ones. He died protecting Jews. He died protecting Israel. It was an act of loving kindness, one needing no publicity. In fact, the miracle of Noam's act would have taken place even if a single soul never knew he locked the door and threw the key. What a gift this young man was to his family, to Israel, to the world. He died doing God's work. He died performing the most unselfish act of charity a human can do. Who cares if the world knows? Noam wouldn't have cared. He didn't do it so his name would appear in the L.A. times! He died with the shema on his lips.

(19)
Anonymous,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

If these news are not published in the USA, how can we possibly hear about it in Uruguay. News here are unfortubately very scarce and too unbalanced!

(18)
Gairsh,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

why no stories told by Chaya Franklin on Jan. 13 and Noam's Gift by Nancy on Jan. 22 SAYS IT ALL

I heard this story before I read your article but I couldn't stop the tears from coming again - The best answer to why this dishonest reporting happens is probably what Chaya Franklin wrote. And should we really care if they write it or not I couldn't have said it as well as Nancy wrote it in Noam's Gift. The selfless act that he did I am certain puts him on the list of our people that we say the prayer "Av Harachamim" for. ...Oh it's hard to type this without being able to make the letters on the keyboard through my tears...Oy Hashem AD MASAI?!?

To Noam's special parents and family: May Hashem comfort you all amongst the mourners of Tzion and Yerushalayim and you and the rest of Klal Yisroel should never never again know of any pain or sorrow... Hashem Yinkom Dam Avadav Hashafooch.....

(17)
Lance,
January 22, 2003 12:00 AM

I'm a supporter of Israel and ashamed of our media on this and many other issues.

While this story saddens me greatly, it should not surprise me. The media elites in this country usually have a severe left-wing bias and stand regularly against Israel as well as against Christianity. My heart goes out to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel. Please know this - I and Christian America stand with you! I pray daily for the peace of Jerusalem.

(16)
Nancy Keggan,
January 21, 2003 12:00 AM

You're right, they depersonalize the deaths.

Your article about Noam Apter should also be in the newspapers today.
You are right. Not naming the murdered
jewish people depersonalizes them.
A number doesn't begin to tell the story and lets the public dismiss the murders.

(15)
Anonymous,
January 21, 2003 12:00 AM

An act of Heroism

Being a teenager myself, this story touched my heart in a special way. What a courageous young boy he must have been, that his dying thoughts were "What about everyone else?" This is an amazing story and I intend to repeat it to everyone I know so they know of his incredible act of heroism. May G-d rest his soul in a special place in heaven.

(14)
Paul Martine,
January 20, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam Apter -Among the youth there stands a man

His parents raise a find young man at that and the countless live which he save and gave his life to. His people and his friends meant more to him. His parents are the real hero's who raise him to be a good and caring young man and as for the Los Angeles Times your newspaper not to carry such a story hurts not only the jewish people , But justice as well....May g-d bestow his blessing on his parents and my unknown friend who knew love.......

(13)
Dean Baswell,
January 20, 2003 12:00 AM

This story saddens my heart as did the many stories on 9-11. Noam Apter reminds me of Todd Beamer. They both did an heroic deed to save others. I would have loved to have heard the story of Noam Apter and the three others through the media however, like Todd Beamer, I would bet that Noam Apter did not do this act for publicity but for the pure love for others. I would bet his action of love as Todd's and so many others pleases God a great deal and that is worth so much more that press coverage. I am proud to add the name of Noam Apter to my personal list of heroes. May God rest his soul.

(12)
Eva Schultz,
January 20, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for telling me about this wonderful young man.

We need this information in our media to give it balance. That is real courage! He also showed true character of HaShem to give his life for his country men. His parents and country can be so proud of him.

(11)
MM,
January 19, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam will be remembered by this American from Chicago. G-d bestow his blessing upon him and his dear family. He was a hero, saving countless lives. I still do not get it when muslim extremists can MURDER innocent people in Israel in the name of their alleged prophet. I guess when you are taught that Jews should be killed since birth the childs mind is gone. Sorry i got off the subject of this fine article. The American press used to be pro-Jewish. I cannot explain why they do this now. The only thing we see in American press today is that a war aganist Iraq is for oil by people who are trying to undermind our great president, Presdient Geo. BUSH. Never nothing about the threat muslims pose America, Isral and other peace loving nations. May G-d keep you near his heart dear Noam

(10)
June B. Edwards,
January 19, 2003 12:00 AM

We pray for you, our Jewish brothers and sisters. Keep us informed and how to pray for your needs.

(9)
John Bennett,
January 19, 2003 12:00 AM

Don't you know?

The L.A. Times is a left wing fish wrap anyway.

(8)
JKB,
January 19, 2003 12:00 AM

why don't you flood the media with news like this

I find it not surprising that information on Noam Apter was excluded from our newspapers, magazines, news reports on T.V. and e-mail, and, especially, CNN news. Why doesn't Aish.com flood all the above via e-mail and see if you get any response from anyone. The double standard in this country when it comes to Middle East news is unforgivable but as I said as the beginning, I'm not surprised. This country was founded on the right of freedom of religion; however, I guess it doesn't carry through to Jews, at least when it comes to hearing that we are deprived of truth in journalism.
I guess religious freedom does not includefreedom or the right to hear truth if you are of a particular religion.

(7)
Wondering Jew,
January 17, 2003 12:00 AM

No wonder

No wonder in america they still consider Arafat a "peace partner" shame on the american media. You would think that after 9/11 they would realize that you can't reson with blind hatered and that you must NEVER negotiate with terrorists.

(6)
Faina,
January 17, 2003 12:00 AM

About LA Times

I wonder if anybody forwarded this article to the LA Times, and what was the respond, if any. I'm shocked that in a city with such a strong Jewish community this newspaper is so unfair (mildly put).

(5)
Anonymous,
January 17, 2003 12:00 AM

you are missing the point

The world hates us because there is a principle handed down throughout the generations that "Esav soneh l'yaakov" The non-jews will hate us no matter what. We can blame the Israeli government, we can blame Palestinian schools, we can blame the American press, we can blame anyone and everyone, but the real blame is on ourselves for not doing our best to work on ourselves. That is the only way we can save our brothers in Israel.

(4)
Anonymous,
January 16, 2003 12:00 AM

"Wake up!" A message from Gibraltar

People! Open your eyes, wake up and begin to see what is really happening in the world, The REALLY important things. Get your priorities straight.

(3)
Howard,
January 14, 2003 12:00 AM

Noam Apter is my hero

Noam Apter is a true Kiddush Hashem.

May his family find comfort amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

(2)
chaya franklin,
January 13, 2003 12:00 AM

why no stories told

In reply to a previous writers comments on "why the world hates us", I feel that we must address the uncomfortable reality of our hatred for ourselves. Only when the Israeli government will finally stop their utter contempt for their own people, we will see an end to these massacres. Only when the Israel government stops seeing the Palestinians as victims, and worse, as our friends, and stops giving them millions of tax dollars, The LA times and other disgusting media outlets will stop their horrendous weeping and sympanthy with the Arab terrorists. We cannot and should not expect more from the non Jewish world than we ourselves feel about ourselves. Maybe, just maybe we can one day stop apologizing to the world for being alive, than maybe, just maybe one day the world will not have to apologize to us for dying.

(1)
Susan Petre,
January 13, 2003 12:00 AM

Once and for all - why?

I invite everyone to give me their opinion, once and for all - about why the world seems to hate us - why the American press, among others, see the perpetrators of murder as victims, and the victims as the perpetrators. I just can't figure it out.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...